March 2023

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness and eating nourishing meals. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being.

Eating healthier comes with many benefits that stick with you for the long haul. Combined with exercise, healthy eating strengthens your body and improves your immune system. Together, these lifelong skills reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. A nutritious diet and exercise also make us stronger and help us to feel better about ourselves because our skin and hair are healthier, the aches and pains are fewer, and we have more energy.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNutritionMonth:

During National Nutrition Month, take your first or millionth step toward a healthier you. How many ways will you celebrate?

Set a nutrition and exercise goal.
Try healthier versions of your favorite dishes.
Add a new exercise routine to spice up your workouts.
Invite a friend to join you on the journey.
Speak with your physician to help you make smart changes.
Join a support group to help you maintain your determination and reach your goals.

START NOW!

CLICK HERESubscribe to SNAP-Ed's YouTube Channel for Healthy Recipes

FEATURED PRESENTER

Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)

Click Here to View Upcoming Presenters & Topics.

ATTENTION PARENTS & CAREGIVERS!

Click Here to Register for the March Workshop

Week of the Young Child

Biddeford Ready!'s 2nd Annual

School Readiness Fair

April 1, 2023 from 11:00am - 2:00pm

John F. Kennedy Memorial School, Biddeford

A full list of events will soon be published on Biddeford Ready!'s website.

Be sure to follow their Facebook Page for more community events.

MRBN "Together We Can Thrive" Summit

Maine Resilience Building Network (MRBN) is pleased to present the 2023 MRBN Summit, “Together We Can Thrive – Creating an equitable shared path forward to promote resilience in Maine communities,” held on April 12 and 13, 2023, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport.

The Summit will convene state and community stakeholders, focusing on prevention policies and programs prioritizing resilience for our youth, families, and communities. Community-developed strategies to promote resilience for health and social issues are entwined in the workforce and economic development, which supports thriving, prosperous communities.

The Summit is action-oriented and promotes skill-building. It will include nationally renowned experts and panels of Maine people, highlighting their work in creating opportunities for youth to thrive. After a few years of social disconnect, we look forward to the opportunity for colleagues from around the state to network and learn together.

Click Here to Register or For More Information

For more information about cannabis and public health, visit the CDC.

Safe Storage of Cannabis

Safely storing cannabis lowers the risk of children or pets accessing it. Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad to secure cannabis; the box should be out of sight and reach of pets and children.

Remember: Consuming cannabis can make children and pets sick, so getting help right away is important. If you think a child may have ingested cannabis, call The Center for Poison Control ASAP at 800-222-1222.

Mayor Alan Casavant Speaks to Biddeford's

Lead Prevention Efforts and Funding

"Biddeford has many older buildings, and there has always been a challenge, for many, in affording to remove lead paint from their apartments and homes. This grant allows the city to continue its progress in assisting families in the removal of such a dangerous substance."

- Mayor Alan Casavant

Click Here to Learn More

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

Free to the Public

March 23, 2023

8:30am - 3:15pm via Zoom

United Way of Southern Maine is partnering with NAMI Maine to provide free Mental Health First Aid training to the public. Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. As rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and overdose deaths increase in our community, these training opportunities are more necessary than ever. Together, we can take action to help more people live longer, better lives.

On average, 11 years pass between when someone first experiences symptoms of mental illness and when they get help. Individuals trained in Mental Health First Aid can shorten that time by identifying and supporting those who may be developing symptoms or experiencing a crisis and referring them to outside help. Attending this training also supports the Thrive2027 goal of helping us all live longer, healthier lives.

If you are interested in attending, please click the image below or reach out to Nina Misra at nmisra@uwsme.org.